Jack Clark

Jack Leslie Clark (November 25, 1925 – July 21, 1988) was an American television game show host and announcer. He is best known for hosting Cross-Wits and as an offstage announcer for Wheel of Fortune.

When Clark was a student at University of California, Berkley, he began his career as a substitute announcer for radio station KROW in Oakland, California. After graduating from UC he substituted and hosted some shows, including being the one who whispered from offstage, “the password is…” on the show Password. Later, Clark hosted The Cross – Wits from 1975-1980, where he was noted for his rapport with the celebrities and contestants. Clark later went on to announce for several other game shows including, Split Second (1972-1975) Tattletales (1974) Three for the Money (1975) Second Chance (1977) and some of the episodes of The $10,000 Dollar Pyramid. Earlier in his career he did some commercials for Winston cigarettes.

In 1980 Clark was chosen to become The Wheel of Fortune announcer. Clark announced the daytime version and later the primetime syndicated version when the show’s ratings peaked. Clark announced for other television programs in the 1980’s, including, The $25,000 Pyramid (1982-1985) as well as being a spokesman for National Geographic magazine.

Back to all